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The Healing of The Woman with The Issue of Blood – Viral Believer
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The Healing of The Woman with The Issue of Blood

When we delve into the New Testament’s myriad stories of faith and redemption, one in particular stands out—a story that speaks of a woman’s unwavering belief and her encounter with divine healing. This powerful tale, commonly known as “The Healing of the Woman with the Issue of Blood,” highlights the transformative potential of faith in the face of crippling adversity. Recorded in the Gospels of Matthew (Matthew 9:20-22), Mark (Mark 5:25-34), and Luke (Luke 8:43-48), this story vividly illustrates how the inherent connection between Jesus Christ and our deep-rooted faith has the incredible capacity to heal and restore life.

In this article, we will explore the key elements of this inspiring encounter and dig deep into the significance of each detail. We’ll also discuss what the healing of the woman with the issue of blood teaches us about Jesus’ divine power, the role of faith in our lives, and why it matters as much today as it did over two thousand years ago.

So join us as we journey through the pages of the New Testament and uncover the miracle of not only physical healing, but also spiritual renewal, available through an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.

I. Introduction to the Healing of the Woman with the Issue of Blood

The story of the healing of the woman with the issue of blood is a breathtaking illustration of the power of faith in Jesus Christ, as well as the compassionate nature of our Savior. This miraculous event can be found in three of the four Gospels: Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, and Luke 8:43-48. In this section, we’ll introduce the story, explore the cultural background and significance, and examine the importance of faith in receiving God’s healing.

To give you some context, the woman had been suffering from a hemorrhage or “issue of blood” for twelve long years. The Bible tells us that she “had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any” (Luke 8:43, NKJV). In those times, a woman with such a condition would have been considered ceremonially unclean, meaning she would have faced:

  • Exclusion from religious and social events
  • Stigma and emotional distress
  • Economic hardship due to lack of income

Despite the social and religious norms oppressing her, this woman was determined to seek healing from Jesus. As He was passing by in a crowded area, she exhibited her faith by reaching out to touch the hem of His garment. Jesus, sensing the power had gone out of Him, stopped and inquired about who had touched Him. As she came forward trembling, the woman revealed her faith to Jesus and He proclaimed, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace” (Luke 8:48, NKJV).

The story of the woman with the issue of blood teaches us significant lessons about our own faith and the transforming power of Jesus Christ. Through her determination to reach out to the Savior, despite the obstacles she faced, she demonstrated the kind of faith that can bring healing, restoration, and ultimately salvation. As we explore this powerful story further, let us consider how God is calling us to exercise faith in our own lives and experience the healing touch of Jesus.

II. The Woman’s Struggle and Desperation for a Remedy

The story of a woman’s desperate struggle for a remedy can be found in Mark 5:25-34(NKJV). This passage tells the story of a woman who had been plagued with an issue of blood for twelve long years. During this time, she had spent all her resources on seeking healing from various physicians, but instead of getting better, she only seemed to get worse.

This woman’s desperation is evident in the steps she took to find a remedy:

  • She sought help from multiple physicians, spending all her resources (v. 26).
  • She let her condition isolate her from society due to the Levitical laws regarding uncleanness (Leviticus 15:25-27).
  • As a last resort, she worked her way through the crowd and believed that simply touching the hem of Jesus’ garment would heal her (v. 28).

In her desperation and great faith, this woman demonstrated a profound understanding of who Jesus is—she recognized Him as the ultimate source of healing and restoration. Her courage and determination to break societal norms and reach out to Jesus led to her miracle: healing and freedom from her affliction.

When we face our own struggles or go through periods of desperation, we can learn from this woman’s story and put our trust in Jesus. This means stepping out in faith, as she did, and recognizing that He is our ultimate source of healing and wholeness – whether it be physical, spiritual, or emotional. Just as Jesus told the woman, “Daughter, your faith has made you well” (v. 34), He desires to heal and restore us, too, when we come to Him in faith.

III. The Importance of Faith in the Healing Process

Faith in God is a fundamental factor when it comes to experiencing healing in our lives. It occupies a central position in our relationship with God, as we can see in Hebrews 11:6: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.” Here are a few reasons why faith is crucial in the healing process:

1. Faith activates God’s power:
When we express our faith in God’s ability to heal, we tap into His divine power. In the New Testament, we find numerous instances where Jesus healed the sick, and in many of these cases, He told the person that their faith had made them well (Mark 5:34, Luke 17:19, Matthew 9:22). Our faith, no matter how small, activates God’s power to bring about healing in both our physical and emotional health.

2. Faith removes fear and doubt:
Fear and doubt can hinder our healing process by creating a barrier between us and God’s grace. In Mark 5:36, Jesus said, “Do not be afraid; only believe,” when Jairus was told that his daughter had died. When we choose faith over fear, we witness the transformative power of God in our lives. By trusting in God’s promises and goodness, we eliminate any thoughts of doubt that may impede our healing journey.

3. Faith encourages perseverance:
Healing may not always be instantaneous, and in some cases, it might require patience and persistence. Our faith in God’s timing and plan can give us the strength and endurance to persevere in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and wait upon the Lord (Isaiah 40:31). This unwavering trust brings about deep-rooted healing and spiritual growth, even if it takes time.

In conclusion, faith plays a pivotal role in the healing process, as it allows us to access God’s power, overcome fear and doubt, and persevere in challenging times. We must always remember that God is our ultimate healer, and by putting our trust in Him, we can experience the fullness of His grace and restoration. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)

IV. Jesus’ Compassionate Response and the Role of Divine Power

When we delve into the Gospels, we find evidence of Jesus displaying immense compassion and empathy towards those who were suffering. In numerous accounts, Jesus heals the sick, feeds the hungry, and demonstrates the power and love of God for all to see. Many of these stories show that Jesus’ compassionate response and divine power are instrumental in the life-changing transformations that took place in the lives of those who encountered Him.

In the story of the feeding of the 5,000, we see Jesus’ compassion in action. Matthew 14:14 states, “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” Jesus recognized their needs and took the initiative to provide for them. His divine power came into play when He fed the hungry crowd with just five loaves of bread and two fish, leaving everyone’s need satisfied (Matthew 14:19-21). This miraculous event is a testament to Jesus’ heart being attuned to the needs of the people and His divine ability to provide for them beyond human capacity.

Another example of Jesus’ compassionate response is His encounter with a leper who begged Him for healing. As stated in Mark 1:41, “Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.'” Jesus not only granted the man’s request but also did something unthinkable in that society by touching the leper, an outcast. Here, Jesus demonstrated His love and divine power by healing the man and restoring him to wholeness.

Consider the following examples of Jesus’ compassionate response combined with divine power:

  • Raising Jairus’ daughter from the dead in response to the father’s plea (Mark 5:22-24, 35-43)
  • Healing the woman with an issue of blood when she reached out in faith to touch His garment (Mark 5:25-34)
  • Restoring sight to the blind man whose friends brought him to Jesus and interceded on his behalf (Mark 8:22-26)

By examining these stories, we learn that Jesus’ compassionate response paired with His divine power highlights God’s character and love for His people. Through Jesus, God intervened in people’s lives, transforming them and their circumstances, which allowed them to experience healing, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose. Jesus’ compassionate response and divine power remain unparalleled and serve as an inspiration for us to embody such love and care for others in our daily lives.

V. The Significance and Impact of the Miracle on the Lives of Believers

The miracle of speaking in tongues, as described in the book of Acts, has had a significant impact on the lives of believers. Not only did this divine act serve as a confirmation of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, but it also continues to act as a source of empowerment and encouragement for believers today.

The miraculous gift of speaking in tongues served several important purposes for the early church. Firstly, it marked the fulfillment of God’s promise to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh (Acts 2:17-18). Secondly, it demonstrated the breaking down of cultural and language barriers, allowing the gospel to spread to every nation. In Acts 2:5-8, we read that “there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven… And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?” Through this unifying act, God made it clear that the gospel was to be spread far and wide, without any cultural or linguistic restrictions.

Another significant impact of the miracle of speaking in tongues is its role in edifying individual believers and the church as a whole. In 1 Corinthians 14:4-5, Paul writes, “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself… I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.” Speaking in tongues allows believers to communicate with God on a deeper, more intimate level, strengthening their faith and spiritual growth.

Though speaking in tongues is not the only evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, it certainly can have powerful implications for our personal and communal experience of God’s presence. Let us not forget the key takeaway from this miraculous event – it is a call to share the gospel with everyone, regardless of which language they speak or their cultural background. By embracing the power of the Holy Spirit and continuing to pursue a deeper, Spirit-filled relationship with God, we can confidently step into the divine purpose He has for each one of us.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the story of the healing of the woman with the issue of blood is a powerful testimony to the miraculous touch of Jesus and the unwavering faith of the afflicted woman. Not only does this narrative reveal Christ’s divine power and His loving compassion towards the sick and marginalized, but it also teaches us valuable lessons on the importance of faith, determination, and the hope for healing.

As we ponder upon this inspiring biblical account, may we be encouraged to deepen our trust in the Lord and His incredible ability to heal our own wounds, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Remember that, just like the woman with the issue of blood, even a touch of faith can bring about a miracle in our lives.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.